President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has candidly reflected on the profound impact of the battle against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, on his presidency and his political party.
Speaking during his final State of the Nation Address to Parliament in Accra on Friday, January 3, 2025, he acknowledged that the fight against galamsey was a defining aspect of his administration, one that came with significant political and societal consequences.
The President highlighted how the crackdown on illegal mining activities directly affected the electoral fortunes of his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He noted that the party lost several parliamentary seats in the 2020 elections due to the backlash from affected communities, which, in turn, influenced the composition and dynamics of the eighth Parliament. This had a ripple effect on his government’s ability to fully implement its policy agenda during his second term.
“The fight against galamsey led to the loss of several parliamentary seats by my party in the 2020 elections, which ultimately influenced the composition of the eighth Parliament,” President Akufo-Addo stated. “This, in turn, affected the implementation of my policy agenda and had a significant impact on my second term as President.”
Despite the political setbacks, the President remained resolute in his conviction that the fight against galamsey was necessary to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources. He reiterated that safeguarding the nation’s lands and waterbodies was an obligation owed to future generations, emphasizing the importance of responsible mineral extraction.
“We owe it to future generations of Ghanaians to extract our minerals in a manner that protects our lands and waterbodies,” he said, underscoring the long-term consequences of illegal mining activities on the environment, public health, and sustainable development.
President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about the renewed momentum in the fight against galamsey, particularly as the 2024 elections approached. He welcomed the growing number of stakeholders and citizens who had come to support the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining. While he acknowledged that some of this support may have been politically motivated, he expressed hope that the commitment to protecting the environment would transcend partisan lines.
“I welcome the many loud converts to the fight against galamsey that suddenly appeared in the run-up to the 2024 elections, and I pray that more and more of us get to embrace the need for the protection of our lands and waterbodies,” he remarked.
The President’s reflections on the galamsey fight highlighted its complexity as a socio-political issue. On one hand, illegal mining has provided livelihoods for thousands of Ghanaians, particularly in rural areas. On the other hand, its detrimental effects on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation, have been devastating. Balancing these competing interests has been a significant challenge for successive governments, and President Akufo-Addo’s administration was no exception.
During his tenure, the government implemented a series of measures to tackle galamsey, including the deployment of joint military and police task forces to mining areas, the introduction of the Community Mining Scheme to provide regulated alternatives for small-scale miners, and the use of drones to monitor illegal mining activities. While these efforts yielded some successes, the fight was far from over, as illegal miners often found ways to evade enforcement measures.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the fight against galamsey was not just the responsibility of the government but required the active participation of all Ghanaians. He called on traditional authorities, community leaders, and citizens to take a stand against illegal mining and to support efforts to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
“The protection of our environment and natural resources is a collective responsibility,” he stated. “We must all work together to ensure that our lands and waterbodies are preserved for the benefit of future generations.”
Reflecting on the broader implications of the galamsey fight, the President noted that the issue was emblematic of the challenges faced by developing nations in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. He expressed hope that Ghana’s experience would serve as a valuable lesson for other countries grappling with similar issues.
As his presidency draws to a close, President Akufo-Addo leaves behind a legacy of taking bold and sometimes unpopular decisions in the fight against galamsey. While the political costs were high, he remained steadfast in his belief that the sacrifices were necessary to secure Ghana’s environmental future.
In his final remarks, the President urged the incoming administration to sustain and build upon the efforts made during his tenure. He expressed confidence that with continued commitment and collaboration, Ghana could achieve a sustainable and responsible mining sector that benefits all citizens without compromising the environment.
“I leave this office with the hope that the fight against galamsey will not only continue but will be strengthened,” President Akufo-Addo concluded. “This is not just about politics; it is about the future of our country and the well-being of our people. Let us remain united in this cause and work together to protect our beloved Ghana.”
